Springfield native Sam Antonacci makes MLB debut for White Sox

The 24-year-old infielder singled in his first at-bat against the Rays after a standout minor league career.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:20am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player batting and a baseball diamond, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, silver, and white representing the Chicago White Sox team colors.A young White Sox prospect's MLB debut brings energy and promise to a team in need of a spark.Springfield Today

The Chicago White Sox have called up 24-year-old infielder Sam Antonacci, a native of Springfield, Illinois, for his MLB debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Antonacci, who was a standout player at the junior college and Division I levels, has quickly risen through the White Sox minor league system and earned the call-up after an impressive start to the 2026 season at Triple-A. He singled in his first major league at-bat.

Why it matters

Antonacci's promotion is part of the White Sox's youth movement, as the organization looks to build around controllable young talent. His versatility, plate discipline, and high-energy style of play fit the team's needs as they search for more consistency early in the season.

The details

Antonacci, who played at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield and later starred at Heartland Community College and Coastal Carolina, was selected by the White Sox in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He has quickly risen through the minors, putting up impressive numbers at every level and earning a spot on the major league roster after a hot start at Triple-A Charlotte this season.

  • Antonacci made his MLB debut on April 16, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • He singled in his first at-bat in the major leagues.

The players

Sam Antonacci

A 24-year-old infielder from Springfield, Illinois who was called up by the Chicago White Sox for his MLB debut.

Chicago White Sox

The major league baseball team that called up Antonacci from their minor league system.

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What they’re saying

“Sam Antonacci has arrived🤩”

— Chicago White Sox, Twitter account

What’s next

The White Sox will continue to give Antonacci opportunities to prove he can contribute at the major league level as they look to build around their young core of talent.

The takeaway

Antonacci's promotion to the majors is a feel-good story for the White Sox and their fans, as a local product from Springfield has earned his shot in the big leagues after a steady rise through the minors. His versatility, plate discipline, and high-energy style of play could provide a needed spark for a team searching for consistency early in the season.